Locking harness

ABSTRACT

A retainer apparatus including a first retainer portion, a second retainer portion, a wireless signal transmitting device, a wireless signal receiving device, and a sensor. The wireless signal transmitting device, the wireless signal receiving device, and the sensor is physically contained within at least one of the first retainer portion and the second retainer portion. The first retainer portion is removably attached to the second retainer portion. The sensor is configured to detect the first retainer portion being disconnected from the second retainer portion and generate a warning signal. The wireless transceiver is configured to wirelessly transmit the warning signal to a controller in a vehicle to activate an audible warning alert to warn a user in the vehicle of the first retainer portion being disconnected from the second retainer portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application claiming priority to Ser. No. 18/105,068, filed Feb. 2, 2023, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 17/655,255 filed Mar. 17, 2022, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,618,352, issued Apr. 4, 2023, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 16/946,833 filed Jul. 8, 2020, now abandoned, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 16/273,291 filed Feb. 12, 2019 now U.S. Pat. No. 10,710,545 issued Jul. 14, 2020, which is a divisional application claiming priority to Ser. No. 15/602,294 filed on May 23, 2017 now U.S. Pat. No. 10,259,423 issued Apr. 16, 2019, which is a continuation application claiming priority to Ser. No. 14/984,232 filed Dec. 30, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,669,797 issued Jun. 6, 2017 which is a continuation application claiming priority to Ser. No. 14/481,016 filed Sep. 9, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,561,776 issued Feb. 7, 2017 which is a divisional application claiming priority to Ser. No. 13/653,540 filed Oct. 17, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,851,575 issued Oct. 7, 2014 which is a divisional application of Ser. No. 12/703,227 filed Feb. 10, 2010, and entitled “Locking Harness Apparatus and Method”, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,333,433, issued Dec. 18, 2012.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The present invention relates to a locking restraint apparatus and associated method for restraining an individual in a vehicle for preventing motion related injuries.

BACKGROUND

Restraining users during travel typically comprises an inefficient process with little flexibility. Accordingly, there exists a need in the art to overcome at least some of the deficiencies and limitations described herein above.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a retainer apparatus comprising: a first retainer portion configured to be slidably attached to a first adjustable harness strap of a car seat; a second retainer portion configured to be slidably attached to a second adjustable harness strap of the car seat, wherein the first retainer portion is directly and removably attached to the second retainer portion; a wireless signal transmitting device physically contained within at least one of the first retainer portion and the second retainer portion; a wireless signal receiving device physically contained within at least one of the first retainer portion and the second retainer portion; and a sensor physically contained within at least one of the first retainer portion and the second retainer portion, wherein the sensor is configured to detect the first retainer portion being disconnected from the second retainer portion and generate a warning signal indicating the first retainer portion being disconnected from the second retainer portion, and wherein the wireless transmitting device is configured to wirelessly transmit the warning signal to a controller in a vehicle to activate an audible warning alert to warn a user in the vehicle of the first retainer portion being disconnected from the second retainer portion.

The present invention provides a retainer apparatus comprising: a first retainer portion removably attached to a second retainer portion, wherein the first retainer portion is configured to be slidably attached to a first adjustable harness strap of a car seat, and wherein the second retainer portion is configured to be slidably attached to a second adjustable harness strap of the car seat; a wireless signal transmitting device physically contained within at least one of the first retainer portion and the second retainer portion; a wireless signal receiving device physically contained within at least one of the first retainer portion and the second retainer portion; and a sensor physically contained within at least one of the first retainer portion and the second retainer portion, wherein the sensor is configured to detect the first retainer portion being disconnected from the second retainer portion and generate a warning signal indicating the first retainer portion being disconnected from the second retainer portion, and wherein the wireless transmitting device is configured to wirelessly transmit the warning signal to a controller in a vehicle to activate an audible warning alert to warn a user in the vehicle of the first retainer portion being disconnected from the second retainer portion.

The present invention provides a car seat apparatus comprising: a first adjustable harness strap; a second adjustable harness strap; a retainer apparatus comprising a first retainer portion slidably attached to the first adjustable harness strap and a second retainer portion slidably attached to the second adjustable harness strap, wherein the first retainer portion is directly and removably attached to the second retainer portion, wherein the retainer apparatus further comprises a wireless signal transmitting device physically contained within at least one of the first retainer portion and the second retainer portion; a wireless signal receiving device physically contained within at least one of the first retainer portion and the second retainer portion; and a sensor physically contained within at least one of the first retainer portion and the second retainer portion, wherein the sensor is configured to detect the first retainer portion being disconnected from the second retainer portion and generate a warning signal indicating the first retainer portion being disconnected from the second retainer portion, and wherein the wireless transmitting device is configured to wirelessly transmit the warning signal to a controller in a vehicle to activate an audible warning alert to warn a user in the vehicle of the first retainer portion being disconnected from the second retainer portion; and a car seat structure comprising a harness apparatus mechanically attached to a car seat, wherein the retainer apparatus, the first adjustable harness strap, and the second adjustable harness strap are comprised by the harness apparatus, and wherein the harness apparatus is configured to restrain an occupant of the car seat apparatus and prevent the occupant from being ejected from the car seat apparatus.

The present invention advantageously provides a simple apparatus and associated method capable of restraining users during travel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a locking restraint apparatus for safely restraining an individual during travel in a vehicle, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates the restraint apparatus of FIG. 1 safely restraining an individual during travel in a vehicle, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a close up view of the retainer apparatus 8 of FIG. 1 slidably attached to adjustable harness straps, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4A illustrates an alternative to FIG. 3 , in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4B illustrates a cross sectional view of the retainer apparatus of FIG. 4A, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4C illustrates a first alternative cross sectional view of the retainer apparatus of FIG. 4B, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4D illustrates a second alternative cross sectional view of the retainer apparatus of FIG. 4B, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5A illustrates an alternative to FIG. 4A, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5B illustrates a cross sectional view of the retainer apparatus of FIG. 5A, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a restraint apparatus 1 for safely restraining an individual (e.g., a person) during travel in a vehicle, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Restraint apparatus 1 may be used in any type of vehicle including, inter alia, an automobile, an aircraft, a boat, etc. Restraint apparatus 1 comprises a seat structure 10 (e.g., a car seat), an adjustable harness strap 4 a, an adjustable harness strap 4 b, a retainer apparatus 8 slidably attached to adjustable harness strap 4 a and adjustable harness strap 4 b, and a harness portion 12. Adjustable harness strap 4 a and adjustable harness strap 4 b are configured to restrain an upper body portion of a person (e.g., see upper body portion 17 a child 14 in FIG. 2 , infra). An upper body portion (e.g., upper body portion 17 a in FIG. 2 ) is defined herein as any portion of a body located above (i.e., in direction 20) a waist section (e.g., see waist section 17 in FIG. 2 , infra). Adjustable harness strap 4 a is removably attached to seat structure 10. Adjustable harness strap 4 a extends from seat structure 10 through opening 30 a to buckle structure 7. Adjustable harness strap 4 a is removably attached to buckle structure 7. Adjustable harness strap 4 b is removably attached to seat structure 10. Adjustable harness strap 4 b extends from seat structure 10 through opening 30 b to buckle structure 7. Adjustable harness strap 4 b is removably attached to buckle structure 7. Retainer apparatus 8 comprises a retainer portion 8 a, a retainer portion 8 b, a braking mechanism 31, an optional motion detector/sensor/alarm apparatus 40, and an optional electrical motor/signal receiving device 34. Retainer portion 8 a is slidably attached to harness strap 4 a. Retainer portion 8 b is slidably attached to harness strap 4 b. Retainer apparatus 8 is configured to slidably move along harness strap 4 a and harness strap 4 b in a direction 20 and 22 and between ends 19 a and 19 b of harness strap 4 a and ends 21 a and 21 b of harness strap 4 b. Braking mechanism 31 is configured to adjustably prevent retainer portion 8 a and retainer portion 8 b from slidably moving along 4 a harness strap and harness strap 4 b. Braking mechanism 31 is configured to hold retainer portion 8 a and retainer portion 8 b at any stationary position along harness strap 4 a and harness strap 4 b. Braking mechanism 31 is configured to hold retainer portion 8 a at any stationary position between portion 19 a and portion 19 b of harness strap 4 a. Braking mechanism 31 is configured to hold retainer portion 8 b at any stationary position between portion 21 a and portion 21 b of harness strap 4 b. Retainer portion 8 a is removably attached to retainer portion 8 b (e.g., using clips 11 a and 11 b removably attached to openings 15 a and 15 b respectively as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4A, infra). Braking mechanism 31 comprises a braking device(s) (e.g. devices 37 a, 37 b, 38 a, and 38 b in FIG. 4B as described, infra) for applying resistance to harness strap 4 a and/or harness strap 4 b for holding retainer apparatus 8 in any stationary position along harness strap 4 a and harness strap 4 b. Optional electrical motor/signal receiving device 34 may comprise a signal receiving/transmitting device (e.g., a wireless transceiver) and/or an electrical motor or solenoid. Optional electrical motor/signal receiving device 34 is configured to accept a control signal (i.e., via a signal receiving/transmitting device) from a control device (e.g., a computer/controller in a vehicle) and automatically (e.g., in accordance with the control signal enabled by a user) slidably move (i.e., using an electrical motor) retainer apparatus 8 along harness strap 4 a and harness strap 4 b in direction 20 and/or 22 until a disable control signal is received by the signal receiving/transmitting device. Alternatively, optional electrical motor/signal receiving device 34 may be configured to accept a control signal (i.e., via a signal receiving/transmitting device) from a control device (e.g., a computer/controller in a vehicle) and automatically (e.g., in accordance with the control signal enabled by a user) slidably move (i.e., using an electrical motor) retainer apparatus 8 along harness strap 4 a and harness strap 4 b (i.e., in direction 20 and/or 22) a predetermined or specified distance (e.g., data comprising specified distances may be stored within a memory structure located within retainer apparatus 8 and/or a computer/controller in a vehicle). Optional motion detector sensor/alarm apparatus 40 may comprise a motion detector and/or an alarm. The motion detector detects any movement of retainer apparatus 8 (e.g., in direction 20 or 22, retainer portion 8 a disconnected from retainer portion 8 b, etc.) and either activates a warning alarm located within sensor/alarm apparatus 40 or transmits a warning signal to a computer/controller in a vehicle to warn a user (e.g., a driver) that movement of retainer apparatus 8 has been detected thereby allowing the user to re-secure an individual (e.g., a child) in restraint apparatus 1. Harness portion 12 comprises a first portion 12 a, a second portion 12 b, and a third portion 12 c mechanically attached (i.e., removably or not removably) to buckle structure 7. Harness portion 12 is configured to restrain a lower body portion of a person (e.g., see lower body portion 17 b of child 14 in FIG. 2 , infra). A lower body portion (e.g., lower body portion 17 b in FIG. 2 ) is defined herein as any portion of a body located below (i.e., in direction 22) a waist section (e.g., see waist section 17 in FIG. 2 , infra). Restraint apparatus 1 may additionally comprise an additional retainer apparatus(s) (i.e., not shown and similar to or the same as retainer apparatus 8 comprising braking mechanism 31) slidably attached to adjustable harness strap 4 a and adjustable harness strap 4 b to provide additional restraint capabilities for restraint apparatus 1.

FIG. 2 illustrates restraint apparatus 1 of FIG. 1 safely restraining an individual 14 during travel in a vehicle, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Individual 14 comprises a waist section 17 used to define an upper body portion 17 a and a lower body portion 17 b. Additionally, FIG. 2 illustrates an optional additional retainer apparatus(s) 210 (i.e., similar to retainer apparatus 8 as described with respect to FIG. 1 , supra) slidably attached to adjustable harness strap 4 a and adjustable harness strap 4 b to provide additional restraint capabilities for restraint apparatus 1. Similar to retainer apparatus 8 of FIG. 1 , retainer apparatus 210 (of FIG. 2 ) comprises a retainer portion 210 a, a retainer portion 210 b, a braking mechanism 211, an optional motion detector/sensor/alarm apparatus 218, and an optional electrical motor/signal receiving device 200. Retainer portion 210 a is slidably attached to harness strap 4 a. Retainer portion 210 b is slidably attached to harness strap 4 b. Retainer apparatus 210 is configured to slidably move along harness strap 4 a and harness strap 4 b in directions 20 and 22. Braking mechanism 211 is configured to adjustably prevent retainer portion 210 a and retainer portion 210 b from slidably moving along 4 a harness strap and harness strap 4 b. Braking mechanism 211 is configured to hold retainer portion 210 a and retainer portion 210 b at any stationary position along harness strap 4 a and harness strap 4 b. Retainer portion 210 a is removably attached to retainer portion 210 b (e.g., using clips 224 a and 224 b removably attached to openings 214 a and 214 b respectively as illustrated in FIG. 3 , infra). Optional electrical motor/signal receiving device 200 may comprise a signal receiving/transmitting device (e.g., a wireless transceiver) and/or an electrical motor or solenoid. Optional electrical motor/signal receiving device 200 is configured to accept a control signal (i.e., via a signal receiving/transmitting device) from a control device (e.g., a computer/controller in a vehicle) and automatically (e.g., in accordance with the control signal enabled by a user) slidably move (i.e., using an electrical motor) retainer apparatus 210 along harness strap 4 a and harness strap 4 b in direction 20 and/or 22 until a disable control signal is received by the signal receiving/transmitting device. Alternatively, optional electrical motor/signal receiving device 200 may be configured to accept a control signal (i.e., via a signal receiving/transmitting device) from a control device (e.g., a computer/controller in a vehicle) and automatically (e.g., in accordance with the control signal enabled by a user) slidably move (i.e., using an electrical motor) retainer apparatus 210 along harness strap 4 a and harness strap 4 b (i.e., in direction 20 and/or 22) a predetermined or specified distance (e.g., data comprising specified distances may be stored within a memory structure located within retainer apparatus 210 and/or a computer/controller in a vehicle). Optional motion detector sensor/alarm apparatus 218 may comprise a motion detector and/or an alarm. The motion detector detects any movement of retainer apparatus 210 (e.g., in direction 20 or 22, retainer portion 210 a disconnected from retainer portion 210 b, etc) and either activates a warning alarm located within sensor/alarm apparatus 218 or transmits a warning signal to a computer/controller in a vehicle to warn a user (e.g., a driver) that movement of retainer apparatus 210 has been detected thereby allowing the user to re-secure an individual (e.g., a child) in restraint apparatus 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a close up view of retainer apparatus 8 of FIG. 1 and optional retainer apparatus 210 of FIG. 2 slidably attached to adjustable harness strap 4 a and adjustable harness strap 4 b, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In FIG. 3 , retainer portion 8 a is disconnected from retainer portion 8 b. Retainer portion 8 a is disconnected from retainer portion 8 b by disabling using clips 11 a and 11 b from openings 15 a and 15 b, respectively. Retainer portion 8 a is moved towards retainer portion 8 b in a direction 60 and retainer portion 8 b is moved towards retainer portion 8 a in a direction 61 in order to latch clip 11 b to opening 15 a and latch clip 11 a to opening 15 b (i.e., as illustrated in FIG. 4 , infra). FIG. 3 additionally illustrates a close up view of braking mechanism 31 (i.e., comprising braking mechanism portions 31 a and 31 b), optional motion detector sensor/alarm apparatus 40 (i.e., comprising motion detector sensor/alarm apparatus portions 40 a and 40 b), and optional electrical motor/signal receiving device 34 (i.e., comprising electrical motor/signal receiving device portions 34 a and 34 b). Each of braking mechanism portion 31 a, motion detector sensor/alarm apparatus portion 40 a, and electrical motor/signal receiving device portion 34 a is mechanically attached to retainer portion 8 a. Each of braking mechanism portion 31 b, motion detector sensor/alarm apparatus portion 40 b, and electrical motor/signal receiving device portion 34 b is mechanically attached to retainer portion 8 b. Additionally, in FIG. 3 , retainer portion 210 a is disconnected from retainer portion 210 b. Retainer portion 210 a is disconnected from retainer portion 210 b by disabling clips 224 a and 224 b from openings 214 a and 214 b, respectively. Retainer portion 210 a is moved towards retainer portion 210 b in a direction 60 and retainer portion 210 b is moved towards retainer portion 210 a in a direction 61 in order to latch clip 224 b to opening 214 a and latch clip 224 a to opening 214 b. FIG. 3 additionally illustrates a close up view of braking mechanism 211 (i.e., comprising braking mechanism portions 211 a and 211 b), optional motion detector sensor/alarm apparatus 200 (i.e., comprising motion detector sensor/alarm apparatus portions 218 a and 218 b), and optional electrical motor/signal receiving device 200 (i.e., comprising electrical motor/signal receiving device portions 200 a and 200 b). Each of braking mechanism portion 211 a, motion detector sensor/alarm apparatus portion 218 a, and electrical motor/signal receiving device portion 200 a is mechanically attached to retainer portion 210 a. Each of braking mechanism portion 211 b, motion detector sensor/alarm apparatus portion 218 b, and electrical motor/signal receiving device portion 200 b is mechanically attached to retainer portion 210 b.

FIG. 4A illustrates an alternative to FIG. 3 , in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In contrast to FIG. 3 , FIG. 4A illustrates retainer portion 8 a removably attached to retainer portion 8 b using clips 11 a and 11 b removably attached to openings 15 a and 15 b. Additionally, FIG. 4 illustrates cut away line 5A-5A applicable to the cross sectional views of FIGS. 4B-4D as described infra.

FIG. 4B illustrates a cross sectional view of retainer apparatus 8 taken at cut away line 5A-5A of FIG. 4A, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 4B illustrates a cross sectional view of retainer portions 8 a and 8 b, braking mechanism portions 31 a and 31 b, electrical motor/signal receiving device portions 34 a and 34 b, and adjustable harness straps 4 a and 4 b. Braking mechanism portion 31 a comprises a first section 37 a and a second section 37 b. In order to engage braking mechanism portion 31 a, first section 37 a is moved in direction 70 until contact is made with surface 61 a of adjustable harness strap 4 a and second section 37 b is moved in direction 71 until contact is made with surface 61 b of adjustable harness strap 4 a. First section 37 a is locked to second section 37 b (i.e., upon contact with adjustable harness strap 4 a to prevent movement of retainer portion 8 b) using any means including, inter alia, clips, locking devices, screws, spring loaded latches (e.g., as described with respect to FIG. 4C, infra), magnetic means, an electro/mechanical device such as a solenoid or an electrical motor, etc. Additionally, first section 37 a, surface 61 a, second section 37 b, and/or surface 61 b may each include a frictional material (e.g., sandpaper type material, rubber, teeth (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 4D, infra), etc) to create friction and cause resistance to movement. Alternatively, first section 37 a, surface 61 a, second section 37 b, and/or surface 61 b may each include a magnetic material (e.g., standard magnetic material, electromagnetic structure such as an electromagnet, etc) to cause resistance to movement. The aforementioned contact and locking process causes a resistance to movement between adjustable harness strap 4 a (i.e., on any portion of adjustable harness strap 4 a such as edge sections 67 a and 67 b or any surface of adjustable harness strap 4 a) and braking mechanism portion 31 a thereby holding (or locking) retainer portion 8 b in a stationary position at a user selected location anywhere on adjustable harness strap 4 a. Braking mechanism portion 31 b comprises a first section 38 a and a second section 38 b. In order to engage braking mechanism portion 31 b, first section 38 a is moved in direction 20 70 until contact is made with surface 62 a of adjustable harness strap 4 b and second section 38 b is moved in direction 71 until contact is made with surface 62 b of adjustable harness strap 4 b. First section 38 a is locked to second section 38 b (i.e., upon contact with adjustable harness strap 4 b to prevent movement of retainer portion 8 a) using any means including, inter alia, clips, locking devices, screws, spring loaded latches (e.g., as described with respect to FIG. 4C, infra), magnetic means, a solenoid, etc. Additionally, first section 38 a, surface 62 a, second section 38 b, and/or surface 62 b may each include a frictional material (e.g., sandpaper type material, rubber, teeth (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 4D, infra), etc) to create friction and cause resistance to movement. Alternatively, first section 38 a, surface 62 a, second section 38 b, and/or surface 62 b may each include a magnetic material (e.g., standard magnetic material, electromagnetic structure, etc) to cause resistance to movement. The aforementioned contact and locking process causes a resistance to movement between adjustable harness strap 4 b (i.e., on any portion of adjustable harness strap 4 b such as edge sections 67 c and 67 d or any surface of adjustable harness strap 4 b) and braking mechanism portion 31 b thereby holding (or locking) retainer portion 8 a in a stationary position at user selected location anywhere on adjustable harness strap 4 b.

FIG. 4C illustrates a first alternative cross sectional view of retainer apparatus 8 of FIG. 4B taken at cut away line 5A-5A of FIG. 4A, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In contrast to FIG. 4B, braking mechanism portion 31 a comprises a latch (compression) mechanism 43 a and a spring assembly 41 a and braking mechanism portion 31 b comprises a latch (compression) mechanism 43 b and a spring assembly 41 b. Latch mechanism 43 a and spring 41 a (i.e., compressed) are used to lock (or latch) first section 37 a to second section 37 b (i.e., as illustrated in FIG. 4C). In order to release first section 37 a from second section 37 b, latch mechanism 43 a is disengaged from braking mechanism portion 31 a and moved in a direction 46 thereby relieving pressure on first section 37 a and second section 37 b (and spring 41 a). As latch mechanism 43 a is moved in direction 46, compressed spring 41 a is decompressed aiding in movement of latch mechanism 43 a (in direction 46) and relieving pressure on first section 37 a and second section 37 b. The aforementioned process enables retainer portion 8 b to slidably move along adjustable harness strap 4 a. In order to lock or latch first section 37 a to second section 37 b (and enable braking mechanism portion 31 a), latch mechanism 43 a is moved in a direction 45 and locked to braking mechanism portion 31 a thereby enabling pressure on first section 37 a and second section 37 b (and spring 41 a). Latch mechanism 43 b and spring 41 b (i.e., compressed) are used to lock (or latch) first section 38 a to second section 38 b (i.e., as illustrated in FIG. 4C). In order to release first section 38 a from second section 38 b, latch mechanism 43 b is disengaged from braking mechanism portion 31 b and moved in a direction 47 thereby relieving pressure on first section 38 a and second section 38 b (and spring 41 b). As latch mechanism 43 b is moved in direction 47, compressed spring 41 b is decompressed aiding in movement of latch mechanism 43 b (in direction 47) and relieving pressure on first section 38 a and second section 38 b. The aforementioned process enables retainer portion 8 a to slidably move along adjustable harness strap 4 b. In order to lock or latch first section 38 a to second section 38 b (and enable braking mechanism portion 31 b), latch mechanism 43 b is moved in a direction 48 and locked to braking mechanism portion 31 b thereby enabling pressure on first section 38 a and second section 38 b (and spring 41 b).

FIG. 4D illustrates a second alternative cross sectional view of retainer apparatus 8 of FIG. 4B taken at cut away line 5A-5A of FIG. 4A, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In contrast to FIG. 4B, first section 37 a and/or second section 37 b of braking mechanism portion 31 a each comprise teeth (or any other type of gripping structure) to lock first section 37 a and second section 37 b to adjustable harness strap 4 a to prevent movement of retainer portion 8 b. Additionally, first section 38 a and/or second section 38 b of braking mechanism portion 31 b each comprise teeth (or any other type of gripping structure) to lock first section 38 a and second section 38 b to adjustable harness strap 4 b to prevent movement of retainer portion 8 a.

FIG. 5A illustrates an alternative to FIG. 4A, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In contrast to FIG. 4A, adjustable harness strap 4 a comprises a track apparatus 25 that includes tracks 25 a-25 c and adjustable harness strap 4 b comprises a track apparatus 26 that includes tracks 26 a-26 c. Note that although FIG. 5A illustrates track apparatus 25 comprising three tracks (tracks 25 a-25 c) and track apparatus 26 comprising three tracks (tracks 26 a-26 c), any number of tracks may be used. Track apparatus 25 enables retainer portion 8 b to move along adjustable harness strap 4 a (and tracks 25 a-25 c). In order to disable movement of retainer portion 8 b, braking mechanism portion 31 a is enabled to cause resistance to movement between tracks 25 a-25 c and braking mechanism 31 a (e.g., braking mechanism comprises braking portions that grab tracks 25 a-25 c) thereby holding (or locking) retainer portion 8 b in a stationary position at a user selected location anywhere on adjustable harness strap 4 a. Track apparatus 25 additionally enables electrical motor/signal receiving device portion 34 a (i.e., an electrical motor portion) to ride along tracks 25 a-25 c upon receiving a user command (i.e., for automatically adjusting a position of retainer portion 8 b). Electrical motor/signal receiving device portion 34 a (i.e., an electrical motor portion) may additionally be disabled to cause resistance to movement between tracks 25 a-25 c and electrical motor/signal receiving device portion 34 a to hold (or lock) retainer portion 8 b in a stationary position at a user selected location anywhere on adjustable harness strap 4 a (i.e., in addition to or instead of using braking mechanism portion 31 a). Track apparatus 26 enables retainer portion 8 a to move along adjustable harness strap 4 b (and tracks 26 a-26 c). In order to disable movement of retainer portion 8 a, braking mechanism portion 31 b is enabled to cause resistance to movement between tracks 26 a-26 c and braking mechanism 31 b (e.g., braking mechanism comprises braking portions that grab tracks 26 a-26 c) thereby holding (or locking) retainer portion 8 a in a stationary position at a user selected location anywhere on adjustable harness strap 4 b. Track apparatus 26 additionally enables electrical motor/signal receiving device portion 34 b (i.e., an electrical motor portion) to ride along tracks 26 a-26 c upon receiving a user command (i.e., for automatically adjusting a position of retainer portion 8 a). Electrical motor/signal receiving device portion 34 b (i.e., an electrical motor portion) may additionally be disabled to cause resistance to movement between tracks 26 a-26 c and electrical motor/signal receiving device portion 34 b to hold (or lock) retainer portion 8 a in a stationary position at a user selected location anywhere on adjustable harness strap 4 b (i.e., in addition to or instead of using braking mechanism portion 31 b). Tracks 25 a-25 c and 26 a-26 c may comprise any type of or shaped track including, inter alia, vertical type tracks, rectangular shaped tracks, triangular shaped tracks, circular shaped tracks, a zipper type track, etc. Tracks 25 a-25 c and 26 a-26 c may comprise any type of material including, inter alia, plastic, metal, magnetic, a frictional material, etc. Additionally, FIG. 5A illustrates cut away line 5B-5B applicable to the cross sectional view of FIG. 5B as described, infra.

FIG. 5B illustrates a cross sectional view of retainer apparatus 8 taken at cut away line 5B-5B of FIG. 5A, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 5B illustrates a cross sectional view of retainer portions 8 a and 8 b, braking mechanism portions 31 a and 31 b, electrical motor/signal receiving device portions 34 a and 34 b, tracks 25 a-25 c and 26 a-26 c, and adjustable harness straps 4 a and 4 b. Braking mechanism portion 31 a comprises a first section 52 a and a second section 52 b. In order to engage braking mechanism portion 31 a, second section 52 b (i.e., comprising braking devices on vertical sections of second section 52 b) is enabled such that pressure is applied (i.e., by the braking devices (e.g., spring loaded braking devices, solenoid driven braking devices, etc) on vertical sections of second section 52 b) to vertical sections of each of tracks 25 a-25 c thereby causing a resistance to movement between tracks 25 a-25 c (of adjustable harness strap 4 a) and braking mechanism portion 31 a (i.e., the braking devices on vertical sections of second section 52 b) thereby holding (or locking) retainer portion 8 b in a stationary position at a user selected location anywhere on adjustable harness strap 4 a. Alternatively, second section 52 b may comprise magnetic structures (e.g., electro/magnetic structures) on vertical sections of second section 52 b and tracks 25 a-25 c comprise a metallic material capable of attraction to a magnetic field. In this case, engaging braking mechanism portion 31 a includes enabling the electro/magnetic structures on vertical sections of second section 52 b to generate a magnetic field thereby causing the electro/magnetic structures to magnetically hold the electro/magnetic structures to tracks 25 a-25 c. The aforementioned process holds (or locks) retainer portion 8 b in a stationary position at a user selected location anywhere on adjustable harness strap 4 a. Braking mechanism portion 31 b comprises a first section 54 a and a second section 54 b. In order to engage braking mechanism portion 31 b, second section 54 b (i.e., comprising braking devices (e.g., spring loaded braking devices, solenoid driven braking devices, etc.) on vertical sections of second section 54 b) is enabled such that pressure is applied (i.e., by the braking devices on vertical sections of second section 54 b) to vertical sections of each of tracks 26 a-26 c thereby causing a resistance to movement between tracks 26 a-26 c (of adjustable harness strap 4 b) and braking mechanism portion 31 b (i.e., the braking devices on vertical sections of second section 54 b) thereby holding (or locking) retainer portion 8 a in a stationary position at a user selected location anywhere on adjustable harness strap 4 b. Alternatively, second section 54 b may comprise magnetic structures (e.g., electro/magnetic structures) on vertical sections of second section 54 b and tracks 26 a-26 c comprise a metallic material capable of attraction to a magnetic field. In this case, engaging braking mechanism portion 31 b includes enabling the electro/magnetic structures on vertical sections of second section 54 b to generate a magnetic field thereby causing the electro/magnetic structures to magnetically hold the electro/magnetic structures to tracks 26 a-26 c. The aforementioned process holds (or locks) retainer portion 8 a in a stationary position at a user selected location anywhere on adjustable harness strap 4 b.

While embodiments of the present invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, many modifications and changes will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to encompass all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A retainer apparatus comprising: a first retainer portion configured to be slidably attached to a first adjustable harness strap of a car seat; a second retainer portion configured to be slidably attached to a second adjustable harness strap of the car seat, wherein said first retainer portion is directly and removably attached to said second retainer portion; a wireless signal transmitting device physically contained within at least one of said first retainer portion and said second retainer portion; a wireless signal receiving device physically contained within at least one of said first retainer portion and said second retainer portion; and a sensor physically contained within at least one of said first retainer portion and said second retainer portion, wherein said sensor is configured to detect said first retainer portion being disconnected from said second retainer portion and generate a warning signal indicating said first retainer portion being disconnected from said second retainer portion, and wherein said wireless transmitting device is configured to wirelessly transmit said warning signal to a controller in a vehicle to activate an audible warning alert to warn a user in said vehicle of said first retainer portion being disconnected from said second retainer portion.
 2. The retainer apparatus of claim 1, wherein said sensor is entirely contained within a surface of at least one of said first retainer portion and said second retainer portion.
 3. The retainer apparatus of claim 1, wherein a section of said sensor portion is co-planar with a surface of at least one of said first retainer portion and said second retainer portion.
 4. The retainer apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first retainer portion comprises a shape that is symmetrical with respect to said second retainer portion.
 5. The retainer apparatus of claim 1, wherein said sensor is in mechanical contact with said first retainer portion and said second retainer portion.
 6. The retainer apparatus of claim 1, wherein said retainer apparatus, said first adjustable harness strap and said second adjustable harness strap are comprised by a harness apparatus mechanically attached to a car seat, and wherein said harness apparatus is configured to restrain an occupant of said car seat and prevent said occupant from being ejected from said car seat.
 7. The retainer apparatus of claim 1, further comprising said car seat.
 8. The retainer apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first retainer portion is configured to clip to said second retainer portion for attachment.
 9. The retainer apparatus of claim 1, wherein said sensor is configured to generate said warning signal in response to a motion of said first retainer portion being disconnected from said second retainer portion.
 10. The retainer apparatus of claim 1, wherein said sensor is configured to generate said warning signal directly in response to said first retainer portion being disconnected from said second retainer portion.
 11. The retainer apparatus of claim 1, wherein said sensor is contained within an interior portion of said first retainer portion and said second retainer portion.
 12. The retainer apparatus of claim 1, wherein said sensor comprises a motion detector.
 13. The retainer apparatus of claim 1, wherein said controller is integral with said vehicle.
 14. The retainer apparatus of claim 1, wherein said controller is in the possession of said user in said vehicle.
 15. The retainer apparatus of claim 1, wherein said audible warning alert enables said user in said vehicle to re-secure an individual being restrained by said retainer apparatus.
 16. A retainer apparatus comprising: a first retainer portion removably attached to a second retainer portion, wherein said first retainer portion is configured to be slidably attached to a first adjustable harness strap of a car seat, and wherein said second retainer portion is configured to be slidably attached to a second adjustable harness strap of the car seat; a wireless signal transmitting device physically contained within at least one of said first retainer portion and said second retainer portion; a wireless signal receiving device physically contained within at least one of said first retainer portion and said second retainer portion; and a sensor physically contained within at least one of said first retainer portion and said second retainer portion, wherein said sensor is configured to detect said first retainer portion being disconnected from said second retainer portion and generate a warning signal indicating said first retainer portion being disconnected from said second retainer portion, and wherein said wireless transmitting device is configured to wirelessly transmit said warning signal to a controller in a vehicle to activate an audible warning alert to warn a user in said vehicle of said first retainer portion being disconnected from said second retainer portion.
 17. The retainer apparatus of claim 16, wherein said controller is in the possession of said user in said vehicle.
 18. The retainer apparatus of claim 16, wherein said sensor is configured to generate said warning signal in response to a motion of said first retainer portion being disconnected from said second retainer portion.
 19. The retainer apparatus of claim 16, wherein said sensor is configured to generate said warning signal directly in response to said first retainer portion being disconnected from said second retainer portion.
 20. A car seat apparatus comprising: a first adjustable harness strap; a second adjustable harness strap; a retainer apparatus comprising a first retainer portion slidably attached to the first adjustable harness strap and a second retainer portion slidably attached to the second adjustable harness strap, wherein said first retainer portion is directly and removably attached to said second retainer portion, wherein the retainer apparatus further comprises a wireless signal transmitting device physically contained within at least one of said first retainer portion and said second retainer portion; a wireless signal receiving device physically contained within at least one of said first retainer portion and said second retainer portion; and a sensor physically contained within at least one of said first retainer portion and said second retainer portion, wherein said sensor is configured to detect said first retainer portion being disconnected from said second retainer portion and generate a warning signal indicating said first retainer portion being disconnected from said second retainer portion, and wherein said wireless transmitting device is configured to wirelessly transmit said warning signal to a controller in a vehicle to activate an audible warning alert to warn a user in said vehicle of said first retainer portion being disconnected from said second retainer portion; and a car seat structure comprising a harness apparatus mechanically attached to a car seat, wherein said retainer apparatus, said first adjustable harness strap, and said second adjustable harness strap are comprised by said harness apparatus, and wherein said harness apparatus is configured to restrain an occupant of said car seat apparatus and prevent said occupant from being ejected from said car seat apparatus. 